Renters Way

University City

University City Apartments for Rent

Read our neighborhood guide to find out what it’s like to live in Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood or scroll down to start browsing our apartment rentals including The Old Quaker Building and 3737 Chestnut.

While its name suggests its vital importance to the education community, University City Philadelphia’s appeal extends far beyond college students. Apartments in University City Philadelphia are a great fit if you’re pursuing your education at any of the world-class universities in the area but also are popular with professionals and families looking to take advantage of the neighborhood’s location, affordability, and unparalleled employment opportunities.

University City, also sometimes known as uCity, is situated in West Philadelphia and derives its name from a number of colleges there, including Drexel University, University of the Sciences, and the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. If you’re a student, faculty, or staff member at any of the schools, off-campus apartments in University City Philadelphia enable you to be right near the schools and remain an active campus member. Students especially appreciate the freedom and independence that off-campus living in University City can provide.

Beyond the University in University City

However, the college community is just one segment of the neighborhood’s diverse population. University City has attracted a melting pot of residents, in part because of its unique location. The neighborhood is located directly across the Schuylkill River from Center City Philadelphia; in just minutes, you can walk the Market Street Bridge straight over the river and into the heart of downtown Philadelphia. For that reason, many University City residents ditch the car and rely on getting around on foot, by bike or by the convenient public-transit lines. University City’s convenient location is most apparent when you take a stroll past 30th Street Station, which houses train and bus lines that connect to points throughout the region and even the nation. It is one of the largest and busiest transit stations in the country and living in University City Philadelphia puts all of those commuting opportunities just moments from home.

Easy Access to Center City

While there aren’t many nightlife opportunities right in University City, the neighborhood’s walkability and proximity to downtown are important for when city life comes calling. And although the neighborhood is a convenient commute to the many Center City employment opportunities, in recent years, University City has also seen a major influx in jobs, with education and medicine — central to the university hospitals and research centers in the neighborhood — abounding despite the slow economic recovery a few years ago. Those opportunities, couple with the neighborhood’s location and affordability, have meant that apartments in University City have become very popular with well-educated young professionals. The neighborhood has a higher percentage of residents with advanced degrees than the rest of the city, and nearly double the national average.

Schools, Parks & More for Young Residents

Many of the young residents opting for apartments in University City are increasingly staying in the area to raise families. The public schools in the neighboring areas are among the city’s most diverse and active, with a range of academic and extracurricular activities to encourage students to get on the path to success early. University City is home to the acclaimed Penn Alexander School which is part of the public school system and consistently receives high marks. The local area also is home to a number of charter and private schools to give families many options to fit their needs. When school’s out, Clark Park is among the most popular outdoor gathering spots, offering ample play space for little ones and a full roster of events for park-goers of all ages and interests: from Shakespeare performances to flea markets and to its popular farmer’s market, considered one of the best in the city.

Arts & Entertainment in University City

A young, educated population has prompted an influx of arts and entertainment options in University City. Even if you’re not a student, you’ll feel welcomed on the local college campuses, which offer some of the city’s leading theaters and museums, such as the Annenberg Theater and the Institute of Contemporary Art. Several-dozen art galleries, studios, theater groups, and more also call the neighborhood home, such as Spiral Q, an award-winning puppet-theater organization focused on social-justice issues, and world-renowned dance company Philadanco. Many of these innovative and imaginative arts organizations stage community-wide festivals and outdoor performances, taking advantage of the neighborhood’s many public green spaces.

University City’s Diverse Community

Living in University City Philadelphia also gives you access to a wide array of dining options. Because of the diversity of the students and residents, its restaurant scene offers tastes from around the world—all just steps from home!

University City’s name suggests it is its own small college town, but it’s much more than that. You can certainly enjoy the university activities and cultural opportunities that come with campus communities, but if you live in apartments in University City Philadelphia, you are also able to be part of your own active community — one that is brimming with diversity, cultural richness, and immense potential.

Click below, browse apartments for rent in University City, and contact us online to learn more!